Chevrolet Repair: Clutch Problem, clutch slave cylinder, clutch replacement

Question
Hi Van, I have a 97 Chevrolet S-10 Pick-up, 5 speed manual transmission, 2.2L engine.  I just recently had the clutch assembly and clutch slave cylinder replaced.  This was due to a leak in the slave cylinder, making it difficult to downshift into first gear (per my mechanic).  The work was done by a local mechanic.  When i picked up the vehicle, i noticed two things,

1)the clutch was extremely sensitive to engage.  

2)there was about 1 inch of free travel in the clutch pedal.  

I commented to the mechanic about this and he bled the system again, telling me that it was possible he didn't get all the air out the first time.  That seemed to improve it some but not like it was before i had this work done, (i.e. the clutch was not this sensitive and there was no free play in the pedal that i remember)  

Is it possible that there is still some remaining air in the system that needs to be bled out?  Would remaining air in the system cause these problems?

My mechanic told me that the only thing left to do would be to replace the master cylinder, but i do not want to do this unless it is absolutely needed.  The fluid level in the master cylinder was fine before and after the clutch replacement.

So what i need is a second opinion.  Does it need a new master cylinder? or does it need more air bled from the system? or do you think something else might be wrong?  I really expected the clutch to feel much more like it did before i had this work done.

Answer
Hi Steve,
The new clutch disc could explain both. It is thicker, thus causing the engagement earlier. The free play is probably air. Sometimes it is hard for one person to get it all bled out. I would try bleeding again, if it was working ok before.
Van